Social Commentaries
Fragment LXI: How could I bear it? In the public place
Translated by John Hookham Frere (1842; Bohn 1856) · From Fragments of Theognis (Frere, 1842)
How could I bear it? In the public place
To chaunt and revel! when before my face,
Seen in the distance, I discern the train
Of harvest-triumph ; and the loaded wain
And happy labourers with garlands crown’d,
Returning from the hereditary ground,
No more my own! My faithful Scythian slave!
Break off this strain of idle mirth ; and shave
Your flowing locks ; and breathe another tone
Of sorrow for my fair possessions gone !
Cite this poem
MLA
Megara, Theognis of. “Fragment LXI: How could I bear it? In the public place.” Translated by John Hookham Frere. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/theognis/62/.
Chicago
Megara, Theognis of. “Fragment LXI: How could I bear it? In the public place.” Translated by John Hookham Frere. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/theognis/62/.
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